Chapter 2: Transformation into a Phantom Form, the Lion-Scorpion Larva

The Wheel of Heroes

No one in the Alliance truly knows where the Inner World originated; they cannot even recall when they first began searching for it or exerting control over it.

One thing, however, is clear: the Inner World is closely tied to the intelligence and spiritual awareness of sentient beings in the real world. Often, intense emotions or lingering grievances in the real world transform into creatures that live within the Inner World.

For this reason, the Inner World is typically structured in layers according to its proximity to the real world. The nearest layer is called the Mythic Layer, where the passage of time is almost equal to that of the real world, sometimes differing by a ratio of one to three. Heroes at this level are often regarded as envoys of the gods in the real world, spreading divine teachings and thus gaining the power of those gods.

Of course, one could impersonate a god here, but doing so would inevitably invite trouble with the deities of myth, making matters rather complicated.

The furthest layers from reality are known as Strategic Layers, where time flows at a ratio of one to twenty or even one to one hundred compared to the real world. Divine consciousness rarely penetrates this far, so the dominant theme is war between nations. Heroes here can establish their own cities, expand their influence, select elite troops, and march upward through the layers to unify the Inner World.

Between the Strategic and Mythic Layers lies the Adventure Layer, where heroes exist mostly as adventurers. Here, they train their skills, improve their abilities, and seek suitable companions. The time ratio in this layer is typically one to five or one to eight, making it ideal for gaining strength through adventure.

Everything in the Inner World indirectly influences developments in the real world. For a hero, the first lesson is to correctly understand and manage the interplay between the two worlds.

After offering a detailed explanation to calm Li Mingxing’s uneasiness, Raymond patted his shoulder. “To learn how to properly handle the relationship between the Inner World and the real world, the most crucial step is to adopt a different identity in the Inner World. Come with me.”

With that, Raymond drained his glass and rose, heading toward the back of the bar. Li Mingxing hesitated not at all, grabbed his own drink, and swallowed it in one gulp, ignoring the icy chill that nearly froze him. He hurried after Raymond.

After several twists and turns, Li Mingxing followed Raymond to a corridor behind the bar. The corridor was pitch black, without a single light, except for a faint, eerie glow emanating from a door at the end.

This strange sight terrified Li Mingxing, who shrank behind Raymond. Even so, he kept a close eye on Raymond’s every move, sensing that before long, he might be required to do the same.

Soon, the last door opened. Li Mingxing never saw how it happened; he simply felt a powerful force pull him inside.

When he regained his composure, he found himself in the space beyond the door, mouth agape in awe. Before him stretched a vast pool, its end invisible.

He observed that the pool’s walls were constructed from a mix of bones, flames, lilies, roses, and a black gas. Inside, black, red, and green liquids churned together.

Around the pool’s edge, every ten steps stood statues in sequence: Dragon Witch, Great Demon, Black Magic Dragon, Fallen Angel, and Devil. Each statue’s hand or mouth held an iron chain that extended deep into the pool’s bottom.

As Li Mingxing approached, he felt as if each statue was watching him, no matter where he stood, unable to escape their gaze.

Seeing Li Mingxing’s indecision, Raymond nodded slowly. “This is the Demonization Pool of our Shadow Faction. Once you enter, you’ll gain a virtual form to freely move within the Inner World.”

“Virtual form? You mean I can’t use my own body in the Inner World?”

“Of course not.” Raymond shot him a glance. “Entering the Inner World with a real body would disrupt its balance. Only a virtual form, shaped by your spirit, is permitted.”

Hearing this, Li Mingxing began to calculate. A virtual form created from his spiritual power—wasn’t this just like playing a game? He tried to convince himself it was only a game...

Raymond clearly saw through Li Mingxing’s thoughts and barked, “Don’t fool yourself. Even with a virtual form, if you die in the Inner World, you die for real. If you keep harboring such illusions, I’ll drown you in the Demonization Pool myself.”

After that warning, Li Mingxing stuck out his tongue and dared not entertain any more fanciful notions. Seeing that Li Mingxing had settled down, Raymond continued.

“Another important reason for giving you a virtual form is that I need to know your affinity. Without a virtual form, it’s impossible to determine.”

“Affinity?”

“Yes, I need to know which type you lean toward.”

“Can I ask in advance, what types are there?”

“You’ve seen them already: the Death type representing undead and immortality; the Demon type for chaos and violence; the Darkness type for slaughter and conspiracy; the Fallen type for betrayal and despair; and the Evil type for deception and seduction.” Raymond pointed to the five different statues.

“What type am I?” Li Mingxing asked nervously.

“How should I know? Your virtual form hasn’t appeared yet. Enough questions—strip off your clothes and jump in.” Raymond replied impatiently.

Faced with Raymond’s cold gaze, Li Mingxing hesitated a moment, but then closed his eyes, undressed completely, and plunged into the immense pool.

After Li Mingxing jumped in, two more figures appeared beside Raymond. One held a thick beast-skin notebook and was recording something, while the other watched with hands clasped behind his back.

Soon, a wild roar echoed from beneath the pool. The observer listened for a moment and commented, “Record that. It’s likely a lion or dragon-type beast. Seems this timid apprentice hero possesses impressive imperial energy.”

Hearing this, a trace of joy appeared on Raymond’s face, indicating that Li Mingxing’s success or failure mattered greatly to him.

More disturbances came from the pool; the two recorders noted every sound.

Suddenly, a tremendous wave surged from the pool’s surface, and a massive dark-red lion, over three meters long, leapt out.

This lion radiated imperial majesty, its eyes golden and slender like those of a dragon. Its muscles rippled like liquid mercury, and instead of fur, its body was covered in scarlet, elongated scales. Its two-meter tail curled high, adorned with barbs dripping green venom, unmistakably a deadly scorpion’s tail.

On the lion’s back, two slight protrusions could be seen—barely noticeable unless one looked closely. The lion seemed unaccustomed to moving on all fours, attempting several times to stand upright.

Both recorders exclaimed joyfully, “It’s a young Lion-Scorpion. Raymond, you’ve found yourself a promising disciple.”

Raymond, too, was delighted. Smiling, he approached the lion, gently patting its head. “Aren’t you going to change back?”

No sooner had Raymond spoken than the lion rolled over and transformed back into Li Mingxing. Yet he was completely changed: formerly about one meter seventy-eight, not particularly strong, with a bit of belly fat and a rather ordinary appearance, easily overlooked in a crowd.

Now, he stood at one meter eighty-five, his physique like a Greek statue, jet-black hair tinged with dark red cascading over his shoulders, eyes filled with confidence and decisiveness, radiating an aura of authority.

Li Mingxing flexed his body and turned to speak. “Raymond, I—”

“Don’t worry. That young Lion-Scorpion is your virtual form. Your current appearance is due to the Inner World’s influence on the real world. You must understand—the two worlds can affect each other.”

“I understand, though I’m not quite used to it. By the way, why do I see three strange icons before my eyes?”

“How many did you say?”

“Three. Why? Why are you all looking at me like that?”

“It’s because you’re incredibly lucky, kid! Your Lion-Scorpion virtual form is already considered high rank, and you’ve received three innate attributes. I can’t imagine how you managed such luck.” Raymond explained, full of excitement.

At that moment, the observer approached Li Mingxing. “You said you saw three icons—what are they like? Can you describe them?”